Low mileage espirit

[jerryspet]

I was wondering can any one tell me what the disadavantage of a low mileage lotus s4s 5,000 miles? I took a look at yellow s4s which has been garaged for the last 8 yrs. I checked the engine very clean never been hit. But the owner is not flexible with the price he asking almost 40K Does any one think it's good price? Should I look for anything else on the car? I appreciate any help.

Thanks,

Jerry spet

[GUY JOHNSON]

If he drove it Over the 8 years that would be okay.
But if it was driven then sat for 8 years, it my be crapy.
Remember cars that sat for years will drive like cars wih over 100,000miles.

And like I said if he drove it over the 8 years then 40k souds good with that kind of mileage.

Guy

[espritnutdean]

You could end up with a hefty bill in replacing dried out seals if the car has sat dormant for 8 yrs. Purchase wisely, you never want your dream to turn into your nightmare!

Good Luck!,
Dino

[NLJdH]

It might also be an idea to ask a Lotus specialist service centre for their opinion on the condition of a car unused, or used little, for that time.

Having said that 40K (in dollars?), generally, the low mile bracket goes to 20,000miles and it doesn't matter too much below that as long as the owner was good to the car etc. You might compare the car to others offered with up to 20,000miles and haggle on the issue of potential maintainance etc.

Regards,
Nicholas
(92 SE HW)

>> Edited by NLJdH on Monday 24th February 13:12

[cnh1990]

40K? you are into V8 money.
Calvin

[jerryspet]

GUY JOHNSON said: If he drove it Over the 8 years that would be okay.
But if it was driven then sat for 8 years, it my be crapy.
Remember cars that sat for years will drive like cars wih over 100,000miles.

And like I said if he drove it over the 8 years then 40k souds good with that kind of mileage.

Guy

[PatHeald]

If you get the car, be prepared for some big bills.

I bought a 21,000 mile 1987 Esprit seven months ago.

Since then I have replaced the radiator and some hoses.

I am in the process of changing the silencer and then I will replace the crossgate cable and gear linkage bushes before changing the clutch slave cylinder hose.

I will then move on to have a look at the suspension bushes and brakes.

My car has a full main dealer service record, much of it at the Lotus factory and appears absolutely mint, but the jobs I am doing are necessary largely because of age and lack of use.

If you do go for the car, put aside some (lots of) money to cover the unforeseen.

I have spent at least £750 on parts so far and the car has not been back to a dealer. God knows what it would cost if I had to pay for labour.

It really helps if it is your second car, so that you can take it off the road for a few days at a time to do the jobs yourself.

If you bring a low miler out of hibernation and you can't do most of the jobs yourself, then the car will be at the dealer every other week for the first six months. You would then get so pissed off that you would sell it and buy a Porsche 911 like everyone else.

Good luck.

Pat.